Linda and Turan Duda Travel Fellowship in 2023 European Colonization of Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia was colonized by several European countries over a period of several centuries.One major factor was the region’s strategic location for trade. Southeast Asia was a hub for the spice trade, which was highly lucrative in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. European powers saw the region as a source of valuable commodities such as spices, gold, and timber, and sought to establish control over the trade routes and markets.
CONTESTED modernities : Postcolonial Modernism of Southeast Asia.
Contested modernity refers to the ongoing debate and disagreement over the meaning and implications of modernity, which is characterized by rapid social, economic, and technological change. Some argue that modernity represents progress, freedom, and individualism, while others see it as a source of alienation, inequality, and environmental degradation. “The contested nature of modernity reflects the diversity of perspectives and experiences across different societies and historical periods, as well as the complex and often contradictory nature of modernization processes’.[1]
The mid-20th century period witnessed the start of a new era in several Southeast Asian countries, as they gained independence from their colonial masters, including France, Great Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands. Along with the formation of new nations, architecture, and urban planning aimed for a symbolic fresh start. The principles of international modernism were not only a reflection of hope for progress and prosperity but also a means of liberation from colonial rule. Numerous local architects, some trained in Europe and the US, as well as western planners who had maintained established networks after the colonial era, designed the new districts, squares, and buildings. Designers in Southeast Asia were influenced by the International Style, classical modernism, and the Bauhaus, and they reconciled universal modernism’s design ideas with specific cultural references, building traditions, and the challenges of building in tropical climates that shaped the cities’ image for years to come. From the 1950s to the 1970s, these local modernist styles laid the groundwork for contested modernity. Buildings constructed during the post-colonial era, which once represented the emergence of a new national identity, are now being deemed insignificant and outdated. As a result, they are either being destroyed or are under threat of demolition. The expansion of cities and politically motivated reassessments of local architectural history are also contributing factors to their demise. But there are alternative, viable approaches: some architects are seeking to define contemporary, tropical modernism, while urbanists are working cooperatively on urban concepts that explore the relationships between global demands and local integration inspired by the post-colonial architecture of their region but their works are largely unknown to the west.
Pradeepa Renuga Kannadasan | M.arch Track II | May 2023 Portugal establishes trading
The Dutch East India
1511-1641
1602-1799
posts and settlements in present day Indonesia, TimorLeste, and Malacca.
Company dominates trade in the region and gradually extends its control over present-day Indonesia and parts of Malaysia.
The British East India
The French colonize
Company sets up trading posts in Malaysia, Singapore, and Myanmar, and expands its influence over these territories.
Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, collectively known as French Indochina.
1613-1824
1662-1954
Contested modernity can manifest itself in various domains, such as politics, economics, culture, and religion. In the context of the architecture and urban design, it refers to the clash between Western modernist design principles and local traditional building techniques and materials. Many postcolonial societies have struggled with how to incorporate modern architectural and urban design into their cultural contexts, while also addressing issues of social inequality, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The swift urbanization of Southeast Asian cities has resulted in limited opportunities for the exploration of traditional building techniques and materials. This has led to the emergence of a pervasive society that has been influenced by Westernization. A similar situation was witnessed in India, where the rapid economic growth after 1990 contributed to the decline of vernacular architecture in favor of rapid expansion. Furthermore, in these countries, the architecture and building curricula have been heavily influenced by Western design principles, thereby impeding the growth and development of indigenous styles. Overall, the concept of contested modernity highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of modernization and its impact on societies around the world. It acknowledges that modernity is not a monolithic or unidirectional process, but rather a contested terrain where multiple actors and interests interact and compete. The research focuses on the critique of the dominant narratives of progress and development that have often been associated with modernization. it can be argued that it has not only led to a homogenization of cultural differences but also resulted in the marginalization of certain groups by colonial powers or global institutions, without adequate consultation or participation from local communities.
Proposal The current climate of increased awareness and discussion around race and ethnicity has had a huge impact on the field of architecture. Architects and designers are recognizing the need to create spaces that are inclusive and representative of diverse communities. This includes designing buildings and public spaces that reflect the cultural heritage and history of different groups, as well as considering the needs and perspectives of people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. I propose to study postcolonial architecture in Southeast Asia because it offers an important lens through which we can examine how the cultural identity of marginalized groups persisted through the post-colonial period, how it has been expressed through the built environment,, and how this expression has been impacted by external forces over time.
The Spanish colonize the
Japan begins to expand its
1521-1898
1859-1945
Philippines.
The effects of colonialism on marginalized communities in Southeast Asia are similar to the impact of dominant political power in the current system, including practices such as redlining and relocation of native communities in the United States. The study of postcolonial architecture in Southeast Asia provides valuable insights into how these communities have adapted and responded to the consequences of colonialism, which can inform our understanding of the development of distinct architectural styles found in colonial cities worldwide, such as the shotgun houses in New Orleans, shophouses in Singapore, and Tube houses in Vietnam. These housing conditions are a result of racist policies that were implemented on marginalized groups by dominant powers. But these housing conditions are also cherished by the community and were designed to their needs. Shop houses, for example, are a form of architectural style that is widespread in Singapore and other regions of Southeast Asia. These are multi-story structures that served both residential and commercial needs. The upper floors of the shophouse served as living spaces while the ground floor was often used for business purposes, such as a shop or restaurant. Internal courtyards or air wells were frequently incorporated into these top floors to promote ventilation and natural light. Ultimately, the shophouse was a socially and economically innovative type of architecture that was not merely an utilitarian solution to the demands of the tropical environment. Its design promoted economic activity and contributed to the shaping of cities’ urban landscapes. Similarly, after Cambodia gained independence from France, Vann Molyvann, a highly respected Khmer Architect, became the country’s chief architect. He was heavily influenced by Le Corbusier during his training in France, and his work reflected a contested form of modernism.‘In an effort to reduce construction costs, Vann Molyvann made an effort to maximize the use of local materials, including soil, sand, stone, brick, tile, and timber, which he incorporated into the design of his buildings. He also preferred to use reinforced concrete structures over steel. Through his use of béton brut, Vann Molyvann attempted to create a connection between modernity, locality, and the national identity of Cambodia.’[2] Yet again many of his buildings are on the verge of being demolished. It is essential to learn from the post-colonial movement and its takes on the regional expression of universal values.
Questions •
What may early modernist architectural solutions contribute to contemporary challenges?
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How are early modernist works regarded today in their countries?
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Can postcolonial modernism serve as a springboard for long-term growth that communicates universal principles transcending forms?
influence in Southeast Asia, occupying much of the region during World War II.
End of World War II
After World War II, European countries were weakened, and nationalist movements began to gain momentum in their colonies. Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines saw the opportunity to break free from their colonial rulers and assert their independence.
Impact I possess a personal connection to this topic as I was raised in Pondicherry, a post-colonial city previously governed by the French until 1954. The city boasts a rich heritage of French architecture and streetscape that has contributed to its unique character. However, since achieving independence, Pondicherry has undergone substantial changes in its urban landscape. While a combination of indigenous and colonial architecture has contributed to the city’s distinct identity, rapid growth in recent years has resulted in a loss of its unique fabric. Regrettably, similar to other Asian colonies, the city has become dominated by uninspiring architecture. Through my classes at NS State, I gained valuable insight into various challenges prevalent in today’s climate. In Frank Harmon’s Tectonics in Design course, we analyzed how an architect’s upbringing and experiences influence their design philosophy. Using this approach, I am investigating the architectural expression of colonized countries to gain insights into the thought processes of architects who shaped the built environment in the past, in order to contribute to a more informed and inclusive approach to design. Furthermore, in Robin Abrams’ City Design studio, I worked towards creating a ‘just’ environment for a racially segregated part of Oakland, and in Sara Queen’s DIY Cartography class, we focused on racial inequality in North Carolina and how the built environment shapes due to political, social, and economic discrimination. Bryan Bell’s Public Interest Design studio helped me understand the importance of context and how to design spaces with dignity that can be celebrated by the user. Through these lenses, I aim to expand my horizons and explore new cities, which will assist in developing my design philosophy. In addition to establishing connections and potentially conducting interviews/talks with professors, journalists, and practicing architects in Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, I intend to create a video and photo documentary of my travels. These visual materials will be published on YouTube and presented to the School of Architecture during my presentation. By visiting these cities, I intend to gain a better understanding of the concept of ‘Contested Modernism’ in their respective regions, which will prepare me for my goal of practicing architecture in Asian cities. Furthermore, by prioritizing equity in design, this research will help combat and explore systemic inequalities such as discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion by designing with empathy, sensitivity, and a keen awareness of diversity.
Bibliography 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
AlShehabi, Omar H. Contested Modernity. Simon and Schuster, 2019. Modern ASEAN Architecture Project 2015 -2020. https://www.maseana.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/index.html. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023. “New Khmer Architecture.” The Vann Molyvann Project, http://www.vannmolyvannproject.org/projects. “Contested Modernities.” Encounters, 20 Dec. 2022, https://www.seam-encounters.net/encounter-projects/contested-modernities/. Globalization and Inequalities: Complexity and Contested Modernities. by Sylvia Walby. Disappearing Architecture: Why These Buildings in Cambodia Are Being Destroyed, https://theculturetrip.com/asia/ cambodia/articles/disappearing-architecture-why-these-important-buildings-in-cambodia-are-being-destroyed/. The Vietnamese Brand Of Modernism By Phạm Phú Vinh.
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